Captains Intervene for Khan
Former Australian Cricket Captains Urge Foreign Minister to Intervene on Imran Khan's Health
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Key Points
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Khan, 73, was sentenced late last year to 17 years in prison alongside his wife in corruption cases that both deny.
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Pakistan’s Supreme Court had directed that Khan be transferred to Islamabad’s private Shifa International Hospital within two days for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board, but he was instead taken to the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
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The former captains’ letter praised Khan’s contributions beyond cricket, saying he had helped improve Pakistani lives by building cancer hospitals and that Australians held him in high regard for his sporting leadership.
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Khan’s sons have alleged in a recent interview that his life is under serious threat, a claim that contributed to Greg Chappell seeking a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Seven former Australian cricket captains have urged Foreign Minister Penny Wong to pressure Pakistan over jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's treatment and health. The Hindu reported that Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Kim Hughes, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh said Khan's confinement is a matter of basic humanity—not politics. NDTV Profit noted Greg Chappell stated the group fears Khan, 73, will die in prison without proper medical care.
Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges that he and his wife deny. News18 reported the captains cited deteriorating health, including possible vision loss, and concerns about access to family and lawyers. Australian officials confirmed Canberra regularly raises Khan's case with Pakistan and pushes for appropriate medical care.
Supreme Court Order Ignored for Private Hospital Transfer
Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Khan transferred to Islamabad's private Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours for evaluation by a multidisciplinary medical board. Cricket Times reported he was instead taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a brief exam before being returned to Adiala Jail. Pakistani officials claimed Shifa doctors were present during the PIMS assessment, but Khan's family disputed this account.
Khan's Health Deteriorates Behind Bars
Reports indicate Khan faces severe vision loss and untreated medical conditions. Cricbuzz noted his sons recently claimed his life is under serious threat due to inadequate care. Greg Chappell told media outlets he felt compelled to seek a meeting with Penny Wong because of escalating health warnings from Khan's family.
Khan's Legacy Beyond Politics Moves Global Cricket
The captains praised Khan's contributions outside politics, including founding the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. News18 reported they emphasized Australians held him in high regard for his sporting leadership and World Cup victory in 1992. The signatories framed their intervention as humanitarian, not a political statement about his legal cases or corruption convictions.
Growing International Pressure on Pakistan Authorities
The Australian captains join a larger chorus of cricket legends demanding change. Cricket Times reported 22 international cricket captains, including Indian legends, petitioned Pakistan's Prime Minister demanding compliance with court medical orders. Pakistani officials maintain Khan receives adequate food, exercise access and regular checkups, dismissing allegations of harsh confinement.
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